Short Abstract:

We propose a workshop between activist researchers, community partners, and conference delegates, focused on community-centred, participatory approaches informing ways of relating with each other in research engagements. Lessons learned are key to co-creating equitable solutions in the Anthropocene.

Long Abstract:

PAR and Engaging Environments are projects affiliated with the University of Reading, which centre community and participation. Both networks include activist researchers, community organisers and partners, and students, collaborating on research - we want to bring them together to workshop how these approaches and lessons learned can inform how we relate to each other and generate equitable environmental and social solutions.

The approach centres the voices and viewpoints of marginalised groups, so people are more definitively heard, supported and empowered, as those most affected by the climate crisis. The response to living in the Anthropocene and associated crises, demand an approach that co-creates equitable solutions, requiring interdisciplinarity and new ways of caring, connecting and relating between universities, community partners and marginalised communities.

Themes include foundational principles, emotional and personal labour required, creative methods, resource investment, the place of trust and responsibility, current challenges and opportunities, and how to hold and make space for new ways of relating.

At the conference, we'll host a 'panel' of 6-8 people from different disciplines, career stages and lived experiences, invited to respond to provocation for ways of relating in the Anthropocene, from the perspective of the community-based approach.